220MHz getting even scarcer

[bill4long]

Thanks for the encouragement, had my 5888UVIII for 5 years now ...so far. I Wish my Alinco DR-735 had 222, but I'm happy with that as well.

Nice to hear that. How much do you use it?

 

[rf_patriot200]

Nice to hear that. How much do you use it?

Mainly for 222 fm on simplex every weekend , but I have 4 different mobiles on a Alpha switch and I like to do signal comparisons on simplex between these 4, anytone 578, anytone 5888UVIII, a Yaesu FTM7250, and my Alinco 735. The switch makes it easy.

 

[KA0XR]

Mainly for 222 fm on simplex every weekend , but I have 4 different mobiles on a Alpha switch and I like to do signal comparisons on simplex between these 4, anytone 578, anytone 5888UVIII, a Yaesu FTM7250, and my Alinco 735. The switch makes it easy.

What have you found in your simplex comparisons? How does 222 MHz stand up to the other bands, assuming you're able to keep most other things equal?

I have several 1.25 meter mobile rigs (Alinco, DR-235, Anytone AT-588 and TYT 9000d) but in my area 222 MHz, especially simplex, is mostly dead.

 

[rf_patriot200]

What have you found in your simplex comparisons? How does 222 MHz stand up to the other bands, assuming you're able to keep most other things equal?

I have several 1.25 meter mobile rigs (Alinco, DR-235, Anytone AT-588 and TYT 9000d) but in my area 222 MHz, especially simplex, is mostly dead.

Simplex is dead here too, except for the occasional mobile on the interstate giving their calls. Sadly, there's not a working 222 mhz. repeater in my area.

 

[nd5y]

What have you found in your simplex comparisons? How does 222 MHz stand up to the other bands, assuming you're able to keep most other things equal?

I used 220 extensively about 30-40 years ago. We had one local repeater and before that we used simplex for several years. When operating or working mobiles there is less picket fencing than 70 cm. There was less noise from vehicle ignition and electronics than on 2 m (virtually none on 70 cm) and it seemed like less band noise (probably not the case now as there are far more computerized devices everywhere). I used 1/4 wave and 5/8 wave mobile antennas and coudln't tell much difference. I think all the radios back then were 25 W or less.

 

[KC3ECJ]

My RT3S with OpenGD77, which I've been using a lot recently, isn't capable of transmitting on 220, but I have the calling frequency along with near by repeaters entered in receive mode.
Often I'll have it on scan.

 

[N4DJC]

The new Kenwood tri-band VHF/UHF mobile will have 220 (and D Star).

 

[E5911]

The best option in my opinion for 220 work over 5watts is the Moto CDM, They are out there and there is a guy that sells CDMS and CDM based repeaters. He will also convert 200mhz HT1250s for amateur use.
I have corresponded with a number of Chinese manufacturers and Wouxson is the one with a dedicated 200mhz radio

High Power Output , Color Screen , Two Way Radio KG-UV8P

Car Mobile Radio KG-UV970P

I don't have either of these and wont swear to the quality, I always thought about buying radios from all the manufactures and putting them on a service monitor, some that I have seen are horrible, some not so much
Not a big China Radio fan, However companies here like Powerwerks, Connect Systems, etc have spec'ed a fairly decent radio and after some work, the company complied and produced for them.

the guy with 220 repeaters is this guy : Home | CDM Repeater

I have 2 taits, like the software, they are out there also, however they are mostly setup for trunking, and tait will try and convert it, but I have herd they also have bricked a few in the attempt.

AS for use I did a search on repeater book and found 1000 repeaters listed nationally, how many are actually on the air and in use, not sure

 

[Alain]

E5911 said: "AS for use I did a search on repeater book and found 1000 repeaters listed nationally, how many are actually on the air and in use, not sure."

Well, here in lower SoCal, I can assure you that 220 is alive and well, particularly in the San Diego area. I have 99 memories with 220 repeaters/simplex frequencies on my DR-235, simplex on my Kenwood: https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=3240 The audio on the Kenwood is superb, far surpassing the Alinco.

A dozen or so repeaters are within reaching to me. Although I cannot check in to all of the ARES/CERT/RACES nets. I can however, tell you that the 220 MHz band roars when tropo comes in here, usually between Easter and Memorial Day.

Here is the TASMA 220 MHz repeater list: 220SMA COORDINATED REPEATERS

I can usually get into SBARC [Santa Barbara] on a 5 watt handheld at anytime during that period. I can also attest to the fact that Bakersfield's net is also accessible from my QTH in the same period.

I must temper my glowing report with the fact that I am 10 miles S/W of the Mt. Palomar Observatory [2300' elev], so YMMV. I also use an 8 element Yagi for 220 MHz, up on a 15' mast.

P.S. There is a VHF contest next month. 220SMA COORDINATED REPEATERS

Sit your 220 rig on the NATCALL frequency [223.500 MHz] and listen to see how active the band is in your area. You hear QRZ, respond.

73 de Me

 

[vagrant]

Here in central California we have used 223.5 to coordinate and chit-chat during the VHF contests.
1. As it is not often used, it works well for having an open channel, so to speak.
2. Also, by using it we are sure to capture more operators that may dial it up either through normal use, or specifically for the contest.

At the 6k’ elevation I normally operate from, a handheld does the job. At home I use a mobile and a 220 MHz antenna that offers a little gain and it is mounted above the roofline. If I really need some juice, I have an Elk 1.25m Log Periodic antenna.

For friendly QSO’s and significantly less congestion, 220 and 900 around here are the place to be for my windbagging or complaints about my prostate. Joking aside, I’m glad we have 220.

 

[KD9KSO]

My Kenwood TH-D74 has 220 but I've never heard anyone on it around here.

 

[N4DJC]

My Kenwood TH-D74 has 220 but I've never heard anyone on it around here.

There are a few 220 repeaters in SC and NC. A lot of times your call won’t get answered unless they know you. The mountain boys like the band.

 

[bill4long]

There are a few 220 repeaters in SC and NC. A lot of times your call won’t get answered unless they know you. The mountain boys like the band.

Maybe it's your style/personality. Don't blame other people.

 

[ShawnInPaso]

the guy with 220 repeaters is this guy : Home | CDM Repeater

He's a good guy, very customer oriented. I bought a 220mHz CDM radio from him and it works great.

 

[AM909]

... Well, here in lower SoCal, I can assure you that 220 is alive and well, ...

That's kind of true of most things here, where everything from DC to blue light is congested

I always thought 220 had a great balance of antenna size/gain, propagation characteristics, relative quiet, etc.. My recently acquired UV5RM toy radio even has it. First time I've had a 220 radio since the FT-127RA in the mid-80s

 

[SigIntel8600]

D Star 220 simplex is the next best thing to actual encryption around here. No D Star repeaters for miles. That means very few D Star radios.

 

[rf_patriot200]

D Star 220 simplex is the next best thing to actual encryption around here. No D Star repeaters for miles. That means very few D Star radios.

Agreed ! I'm a big fan of DMR simplex on 222mhz.